Human Rights from a Philosophical Perspective
Course · 3 credits
Description
The course is an introduction to philosophical approaches to human rights. It provides a historical overview of philosophical theories of human rights and their justification. We will examine the pros and cons of proposed approaches, and explore key theories, principles and debates that have shaped our understanding of what human rights are and who has them. The nature and legitimacy of human rights will be critically assessed. We will also apply these theories to current issues.
The course begins with foundational philosophical perspectives from thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Mary Wollstonecraft, John Stuart Mill, and Richard Rorty tracing the development of the concept of human rights in both Western and non-Western traditions. We will discuss influential theories, including natural rights theory, social contract theory, and utilitarianism, to understand how different schools of thought have justified the existence and scope of rights. We will also consider critiques of universalism, focusing on the arguments that human rights may be culturally relative or reflect Western ideological biases.
Key topics include the distinction between negative and positive rights, the debate between individual rights and collective responsibilities, and the relationship between human rights and concepts such as dignity, autonomy, and freedom. We will examine practical applications and tensions within human rights discourse, including the challenges posed by globalization, nationalism, and multiculturalism, as well as the role of human rights in addressing issues such as poverty, environmental justice, and refugee crises.
This course is ideal for students interested in philosophy, ethics, political science, law, and international relations. It will equip them with analytical tools to critically assess and engage in ongoing debates surrounding human rights. By the end of the course, students will have the vocabulary and conceptual grounding to tackle questions such as: Can human rights be justified across cultural boundaries? Are there rights that should apply to all humans, regardless of context? And what is the future of human rights in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world?
Course documents
Closed for applications
Application opportunitiesContact
Department of Philosophy
Visiting address
Helgonavägen 3, LUX - Hus B, 223 62 Lund
Postal address
Box 192, 221 00 Lund
+46 46 222 75 90
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the document deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2025
Mixed-time Lund, part time 33%
In English, distance learning
No mandatory meetings
Study period
29 September 2025 - 9 November 2025
Application
You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round. Find out more: Applying for studies – when to apply
How to apply
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
- Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 5 750
First payment: SEK 5 750
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Global Scholarship programme
The ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Within the framework of the ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ.